Canadian Man Sentenced to 46 Months for Wire Fraud

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 15, 2012

Madison, Wis. - John W. Vaudreuil, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Salvatore Gualtieri, 51, Toronto, Canada, was sentenced on March 13, 2012, to 46 months in prison for wire fraud.

Gualtieri pled guilty on January 12, 2012, after having used the Internet to convince a Wisconsin woman to send him $100,000 for a purported investment. Although Gualtieri promised to invest the woman’s money in his business, he actually spent her money for personal expenses including tanning salon visits, veterinary bills, sporting goods, groceries, and household goods.

The investigation demonstrated that Gualtieri executed the same fraudulent scheme against other Canadian and U.S. victims, resulting in a cumulative loss of more than $3.1 million. Gualtieri was extradited to the United States after having served an 18-month prison term for fraud in Canada.

United States Attorney Vaudreuil stated that the charges followed an investigation conducted by the U.S. Secret Service together with the Peel Regional Police, Brampton, Ontario, and the Toronto Police Service.

United States Attorney Vaudreuil stated, “The U.S. Attorney’s office, working with our local and international law enforcement partners, will continue to hold accountable those who perpetuate frauds. However, this case should also serve as a warning to those considering online investment solicitations: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”

The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy M. O’Shea.